Kohinata, a much-in-demand character actor, is essaying the Paul Giamatti role of the wine expert, while Katsuhisa takes on the Thomas Haden Church college buddy part . Suzuki and Kikuchi play roles originated by Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh, respectively.

Cellin Gluck, the pic’s first-time helmer, has worked in various capacities on several Japanese pics, including post-production producer on the 2007 thriller “Midnight Eagle.” He has also worked as an assistant director on many Hollywood pics, most recently on “Transformers.”

Fuji has produced a long string of hit pics, including the smash “Bayside Shakedown” franchise, but this is its first co-prod with Fox.